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Bill Murray a cutup while in the pizza business

Bill Murray a cutup while in the pizza business

Bill Murray once worked in a Little Caesars restaurant in Chicago with celebrity chef Kerry Simon, back when Simon was 15. Simon says he suggested Murray should become a chef. Murray chose show business. (AP Photo/Axel Schmidt)

Norm Clarke is one of Las Vegas's most notable and recognizable celebrities. This eye-patched man-about-town knows it all about this vibrant city in the desert -- where to go, what to do, and most importantly, where to see and be seen.

Three stars from the Las Vegas musicals “Jersey Boys,” “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Rock of Ages” are kicking off the series “Broadway Rocks Vegas” Monday at Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Radio host Bart Torres and “Jersey Boys” star Jeff Leibow are co-hosting the 10 p.m. show which features Graham Fenton, who plays Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” Martin Kaye (Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet”) and Justin Mortelliti, who is cast as Drew in “Rock Of Ages.”

They will team up on hits and their original songs with their own bands.

Torres, who is presenting the series, is host of “The Las Vegas Connection,” a Vegas-centric entertainment show which airs on Friday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. on Highway Radio (99.7 FM, 98.9 FM and 99.7 FM).

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The chef community is also rallying around another colleague.

A fundraising event featuring cuisine from top restaurants is being held Sunday for Ryen Idica at Tommy Rockers, 4275 Dean Martin Drive, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Idica suffered a stroke in December and requires continued health care.

He has been working as executive chef at Hachi at Red Rock Resort. Idica moved here from Hawaii in 2005 to work for Jean-Marie Josselin’s Restaurant 808 at Caesars Palace.

SIGHTINGS

UNLVino founders Larry Ruvo and Dr. Jerry Vallen were presented honorary game balls at the UNLV-New Mexico game Wednesday to commemorate the wine extravaganza’s 40th anniversary, April 9-12.

THE PUNCH LINE

“Charlie Sheen is engaged to an adult film star. Not only is he going to marry her, but she’ll be working the bachelor party.” — David Letterman

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.